Rearview mirror assembly for vehicle

ABSTRACT

A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mirror head pivotally mounted at a mounting base configured for attachment at a side of a vehicle. The mirror head includes a mirror casing and a reflective element adjustably disposed at the mirror casing. A powerfold actuator is operable to pivot the mirror head relative to the mounting base between at least a park detent position and a drive detent position. The mirror head is manually pivotable to a non-detent position other than the park detent position and the drive detent position. Responsive to the mirror head being at a non-detent position and responsive to a single actuation of a user input, the powerfold actuator is operable to pivot the mirror head to either the park detent position or the drive detent position.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the filing benefits of U.S. provisionalapplications, Ser. No. 61/875,349, filed Sep. 9, 2013 and Ser. No.61/839,110, filed Jun. 25, 2013, which are hereby incorporated herein byreference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of rearview mirrorassemblies for vehicles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known to provide an automotive rearview mirror assembly thatincludes one or more accessories, such as a light source and/or a userinput or the like. The mirror reflective element of such known mirrorassemblies include a mirror reflector coating that is vacuum depositedor sputter coated onto a surface of a glass substrate of the mirrorreflective element, and for exterior mirror applications may includevisual indicators such as turn signal indicators and blind zoneindicators that indicate to a driver presence of another overtakingvehicle in a side lane adjacent to the equipped vehicle. The exteriorrearview mirror may comprise a foldable mirror assembly, such as apowerfold mirror where the mirror head is pivotable between a drive oruse position and a folded or park position via an actuator.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a rearview mirror assembly (such as anexterior mirror assembly mounted at a side of an equipped vehicle) thatincludes a powerfold actuator system to pivot the mirror head of themirror assembly between a drive or use position and a folded or parkposition responsive to a user input. The powerfold system is operable toprovide the desired adjustment of the mirror head via a single actuationof the user input.

Optionally, the exterior rearview mirror assembly may include a turnsignal indicator, which is operable to project a turn signal indication(such as an arrow or the like) downward onto the ground area adjacent tothe vehicle to enhance visibility and discernibility of the turn signalindication, such as to a bicyclist or pedestrian or the like next to orapproaching the vehicle.

Optionally, the exterior rearview mirror assembly may include a camera(such as a camera having a generally rearward and/or sideward field ofview at the side of the vehicle at which the exterior rearview mirrorassembly is mounted. Optionally, the camera may be extendable to providean enhanced rearward field of view, such as in response to a user inputor other triggering event.

Optionally, the exterior rearview mirror assembly may include a spottermirror element to provide an enhanced wide angle field of view rearwardof the vehicle. Optionally, the spotter mirror element may be formedwith or assembled with a portion of the mirror casing, such that a capportion may be added to the mirror assembly, whereby the spotter mirrorelement is fixed relative to the casing and not part of the adjustablereflective element of the mirror assembly.

Optionally, an interior rearview mirror assembly may be provided thatincludes a user input or button that protrudes at least partiallythrough and/or is accessible through a hole or aperture or passagewayformed through the mirror reflective element and through the glasssubstrate or substrates of the mirror reflective element. The mirrorassembly may include an illumination source at or near the user input toilluminate or backlight the user input to enhance the appearance of theuser input and mirror assembly, particularly at low lighting conditions.The mirror reflective element may comprise a frameless reflectiveelement with the perimeter edge of the glass substrate exposed, wherebythe illumination emanating from the illumination source providesillumination at the exposed perimeter edge of the glass substrate of themirror reflective element.

These and other objects, advantages, purposes and features of thepresent invention will become apparent upon review of the followingspecification in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exterior rearview mirror assembly inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the exterior mirror assembly, with themirror head pivoted to a forward position;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the exterior mirror assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a powerfold actuator assembly for anexterior mirror assembly;

FIG. 5A is a schematic showing the steps conventionally used bypowerfold mirrors to pivot the head from a drive position to a forwardpivot position;

FIG. 5B is a schematic showing the steps conventionally used bypowerfold mirrors to pivot the head from a forward pivot position to adrive position;

FIG. 6A is a plan view of a mirror actuator control or user input, shownwith a single powerfold user input;

FIG. 6B is a plan view of a mirror actuator control or user input, shownwith two powerfold user inputs;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a powerfold mirror actuator having adetent sensor in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a powerfold mirror actuator having afriction device in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are sectional views of a powerfold mirror actuatorhaving a rearward range sensor in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are sectional views of a powerfold mirror actuatorhaving a drive position sensor in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a table showing different powerfold actuator options of thepresent invention;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another exterior rearview mirrorassembly, shown with a projected turn signal indicator in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the exterior rearview mirror assembly ofFIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is another perspective view of the exterior rearview mirrorassembly of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is another perspective view of the exterior rearview mirrorassembly of FIG. 12, shown with a turn signal indicator light at theside of the mirror assembly;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another exterior rearview mirrorassembly, with a turn signal indicator and blind spot indicator modulein accordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the turn signal indicator andblind spot indicator module of the mirror assembly of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a sectional view of the turn signal indicator and blind zoneindicator module of FIG. 17, taken along the blind zone indicatorportion of the module;

FIG. 19 is a sectional view of the turn signal indicator and blind zoneindicator module of FIG. 17, taken along the turn signal indicatorportion of the module;

FIG. 20 is a sectional view of the turn signal indicator and blind zoneindicator module of FIG. 17, taken through the module and mirror casingand showing the turn signal indicator portion exposed at the mirrorcasing and the blind zone indicator portion behind the mirror casing;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of another exterior rearview mirrorassembly of the present invention, having a camera disposed thereat;

FIG. 22 is another perspective view of the exterior rearview mirrorassembly of FIG. 21, shown with the camera extended laterally outwardfrom the mirror head in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a rearward viewing elevation of the exterior rearview mirrorassembly of FIG. 21;

FIG. 24 is a rearward viewing elevation of the exterior rearview mirrorassembly of FIG. 22;

FIG. 25 is a top plan view of the exterior rearview mirror assembly ofFIG. 21;

FIG. 26 is a top plan view of the exterior rearview mirror assembly ofFIG. 22;

FIG. 27 is a rearward viewing elevation and partial sectional view ofthe exterior rearview mirror assembly of FIG. 22;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of another exterior rearview mirrorassembly, shown with a plastic cap spotter portion in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 29 is another perspective view of another exterior rearview mirrorassembly of FIG. 28, shown with the principal reflective elementremoved;

FIGS. 30A-C are perspective views of the plastic cap spotter portion ofthe exterior rearview mirror assembly of FIG. 28;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of an interior rearview mirror assembly ofthe present invention, having a reflective element with a user input orbutton that protrudes at least partially through the glass of thereflective element in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 32 is an exploded perspective view of the reflective element ofFIG. 31;

FIG. 33 is another perspective view of the reflective element of FIG.31;

FIG. 34 is another perspective view of the mirror assembly of FIG. 33,shown with an illumination source at the user input actuated toilluminate the user input and a perimeter region of the reflectiveelement;

FIG. 35 is a rear perspective view of the mirror assembly of FIG. 34;

FIG. 36 is a schematic of an exterior rearview mirror assembly andwiring system for an exterior rearview mirror assembly; and

FIG. 37 is a schematic of an exterior rearview mirror assembly andwireless control system for an exterior rearview mirror assembly inaccordance with the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings and the illustrative embodiments depictedtherein, an exterior rearview mirror assembly 10 for a vehicle 11includes a mirror reflective element 12 received in and/or supported ator by a mirror shell or casing or head portion 14 (FIG. 1). The mirrorcasing or head portion 14 may be fixedly attached at a mounting arm orbase 16 at the side of the vehicle or may be movably mounted to amounting arm or base or portion 16, and may comprise a breakaway mirror(where the mirror head portion may be manually pivoted about themounting arm or base) or may comprise a powerfold mirror (where themirror head portion may be pivoted via an actuator assembly oradjustment device). Mounting arm or base 16 of mirror assembly 10 ismounted at the side 11 a of a host or subject vehicle 11, with thereflective element 12 providing a rearward field of view along therespective side of the vehicle to the driver of the vehicle, asdiscussed below.

As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the mirror assembly comprises a powerfold mirrorassembly that includes an actuator 18 that is operable to pivot themirror head 20 (comprising the mirror casing 14 and reflective element12) relative to the mounting arm or base 16. The actuator operates,response to a user input 22 (FIG. 6A), to pivot the mirror head 20between a plurality of detent positions, including a forward position(FIG. 2), a user or drive position (first position in FIG. 5A) and afolded or park position (second position in FIG. 5A). Optionally, themirror head may also be pivoted to a fully forward detent position(second position in FIG. 5B).

Known powerfold detent systems can be confusing to end users. Forexample, the mirror head may appear as if it is at the drive or homeposition but it could be out of the detent position, which may result inwarranty returns due to the corresponding poor vibration performance andbecause the mirror head may feel like it is broken or loose. After amanual adjustment or cycle of the mirror head, a known powerfold mirrorsystem may need multiple button presses to get the mirror head to thedesired position or positions. There is no positional feedback incurrent or known powerfold systems. A current exemplary powerfold systemallows the mirror to stop at thirteen different states after differentcombinations of power folds and manual fold cycles. Today there is nopositional feedback in the mirror and because of that it can takemultiple (such as up to three) cycles of the user's powerfold actuatorbutton to return the mirror to the drive position. For example, when themirror is pivoted forward (such as shown in FIG. 2), such a mirror statemay require three cycles of the user's powerfold input or button toreturn the mirror to its drive position (see, for example, FIG. 5B).Likewise, and such as shown in FIG. 5A, it may take two actuations ofthe user's powerfold input or button to move the mirror head from itsdrive or use position to the forward pivoted state (because the firstactuation pivots the mirror head to its park or folded position orstate).

The mirror assembly of the present invention includes one or moresensors in the mirror to reduce the number of user inputs to only oneinput or actuation for all scenarios or positions of the mirror head.The present invention thus may add positional feedback and“intelligence” into the mirror system in order to correctly move themirror with minimal assumptions and minimal inputs from the driver. Thepresent invention may include a built in shut off device that monitorsboth voltage and temperature of the powerfold actuator. The powerfoldsystem or systems of the present invention may be operable in responseto a single button powerfold user input (see user input 22 in FIG. 6A),whereby the powerfold actuator alternates the rotation direction onevery switch actuation (for example, if a first actuation of thepowerfold user input pivots the mirror head in a direction towards thefolded or park position, the next actuation of the user input will pivotthe mirror head in the opposite direction or towards the forwardposition), or may be operable in response to a two button powerfold userinput (see user input 23 in FIG. 6B), whereby the powerfold actuatorrotates in the direction that is indicated on each of the buttons on theswitch or user input.

The powerfold system of the present invention includes one or moresensors to assist the system in knowing the position or general positionof the mirror head so that the mirror head is adjusted appropriately inresponse to the user input or inputs. For example, and with reference toFIG. 7, the powerfold system may include a detent sensor 24 at theactuator 18. The detent sensor may comprise any suitable sensor, such asa mechanical switch or hall effect switch or the like, that detects ifthe mirror head is lifted and is out of one of the detents of the mirrorassembly.

Optionally, and with reference to FIG. 8, the powerfold system mayinclude a friction device 26 at the actuator 18. The friction device maycomprise any suitable device, such as a mechanical device that holds thelocation of the pivot arm and mirror head relative to the base when themirror head is lifted out of the detent or detents. The friction devicelimits pivotal movement of the mirror head in such situations, but willstill allow the mirror head to be rotated by a manual outside force atthe mirror head.

When the powerfold mirror is manually adjusted (such as may occur viamanual movement of the mirror head by a person manually pivoting themirror head out of a detent position or by an impact at the mirror head,such as by the mirror head contacting or impacting an object, such asduring movement of the vehicle or during movement of an object relativeto the vehicle and mirror head, where such contact or impact moves orpivots the mirror head out of a detent position), the detents becomedisengaged. Assuming the next function after manual adjustment iselectrical adjustment, the powerfold mirror and actuator may either (i)re-engage the detents without moving the mirror head or (ii) move themirror head without immediately re-engaging the detents. In the secondcase, the detents would eventually re-engage after the mirror headreaches a physical stop (where the mirror head no longer moves).Typically, either of the two scenarios can occur depending on how muchfriction there is at the different slipping interfaces.

The friction device of the present invention causes the detents tore-engage before the mirror head moves. This is accomplished by addingmore friction to the slip interface between the mirror head/arm and thebase/rivet tube. The friction device may increase the friction only whena manual adjustment occurs.

Optionally, and with reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B, the powerfold systemmay include a rearward range sensor 28 at the actuator 18. The rearwardrange sensor may comprise any suitable sensor, such as a sensor thatdetects if the mirror head is anywhere rearward of drive position(towards the park or folded position). For example, the rearward rangesensor may comprise a hall effect sensor that is mounted at the base andan arc-shaped magnet that is mounted at the arm. When the mirror head isat a rearward position, the sensor may detect the presence of the magnetat or near the sensor, whereas when the mirror head is pivoted to thedrive position or forward of the drive position, the magnet is movedaway from the sensor and the sensor does not detect its presence.Optionally, and as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the sensor 28 and magnetmay be mounted at the base and a steel stamping 29 may be mounted at thearm so that, when the mirror rotates, the stamping travels between themagnet and the sensor.

Optionally, and with reference to FIGS. 10A and 10B, the powerfoldsystem may include a drive position sensor 30 at the actuator 18. Thedrive position sensor may comprise any suitable sensor, such asmechanical switch or hall effect sensor or switch (such as a sensordisposed at a circuit board of the actuator or mirror assembly) thatdetects when the mirror head is at the drive detent position. When themirror head is at the drive position, the sensor detects a magnet thatis disposed at the arm or mirror head and that is near the sensor whenthe mirror head is at the drive position and remote from the sensor whenthe mirror head is not at the drive position.

According to one aspect of the powerfold system of the presentinvention, the mirror assembly may include a detent sensor 24 and asingle powerfold user input or button 22 (disposed in the vehicle andactuatable by a driver of the vehicle when the driver is normallyoperating the vehicle). Every time the powerfold button is pressed andthe mirror head is out of one of the detent positions (as determined bythe detent sensor), the mirror head will rotate to the park position toreset the actuator and then go to drive position. This includes when themirror head is at a forward and out of detent position or between thepark and drive detent positions. Thus, if the mirror head is between thepark and drive positions and out of detent, the mirror head will move tothe park position and then move back towards and to the drive position.Otherwise, the powerfold mirror will function the same as knownpowerfold mirrors.

Such a powerfold system provides a reduced cost and relatively simplesystem, which also provides for movement of the mirror head withoutdelay when the user input or button is actuated. The powerfold systemmakes the assumption that the user wants the mirror to return to thedrive position when the mirror head is out of the detent positions (butcould instead move or adjust the mirror head towards the park positionwhen the mirror head is out of the detent positions). With thispowerfold system of the present invention, the user input may still needto be pressed multiple times to move the mirror head from a “forward indetent” position to the drive detent position. It is envisioned that thesystem will include communication between the driver and passenger sidemirrors so that the mirror heads can stay in sync and are at the samerelative positions.

According to another aspect of the powerfold system of the presentinvention, the mirror assembly may include a detent sensor 24 and arearward range sensor 28 and a friction device 26 and a single powerfolduser input or button 22. In this application, every time the powerfoldbutton is pressed and the mirror head is out of the detent positions(such as may occur via manual movement of the mirror head, such as by aperson manually pivoting the mirror head out of a detent position or byan impact at the mirror head, such as by the mirror head contacting orimpacting an object, such as during movement of the vehicle or duringmovement of an object relative to the vehicle and mirror head, so as tomove or pivot the mirror head out of a detent position), the actuatorwill reset the detent without moving the mirror head. Before moving themirror head, the system will sense if the mirror head is either anywhererearward of the drive position or in the drive position or forward ofthe drive position. Depending on the determined mirror head position,the system will take various actions. For example, if the systemdetermines that the mirror head is rearward of the drive position, theactuator will pivot or adjust the mirror head to the drive position, andif the system determines that the mirror head is at the drive positionor forward of the drive position, the actuator will pivot or adjust themirror head to the park position.

Thus, this powerfold system of the present invention may perform as a“one button press” solution for all user scenarios. It is envisionedthat the system will include communication between the driver andpassenger side mirrors so that the mirror heads can stay in sync and areat the same relative positions.

According to another aspect of the powerfold system of the presentinvention, the mirror assembly may include a detent sensor 24 and adrive position sensor 30 and a friction device 26 and a single powerfolduser input or button 22. In this application, every time the powerfoldbutton is pressed and the mirror head is out of the detent positions,the actuator will reset the detent without moving the mirror head. Whenthe powerfold button is pressed, the actuator will start to move themirror towards the park position and depending on the scenario themirror will end up in the drive position or in the park position. Forexample, when the mirror head is at the drive position (as determined bythe drive position sensor), the drive position sensor will be active andthe mirror head will rotate to the park position, and when the mirrorhead is at the park position, the mirror head will rotate towards parkand there will be an instant current spike and the mirror will rotate tothe drive position. When the mirror head is at a forward position, themirror head will rotate towards park and the drive position sensor willtrigger during the move and when the drive position sensor turns off,the actuator will then reverse its direction and rotate the mirror headback to the drive position. When the mirror head is between the park anddrive positions, the mirror head will pivot towards the park positionand the current will spike before the drive position sensor istriggered, whereby the mirror may either stay at the park position or goback to the drive position (depending on the particular application andcustomer preferences of the powerfold system and exterior rearviewmirror assembly).

Thus, this powerfold system of the present invention may perform as a“one button press” solution for all user scenarios. Also, this systemhas a less complex, lower cost, point position sensor compared to therange sensor. It is envisioned that the system will includecommunication between the driver and passenger side mirrors so that themirror heads can stay in sync and are at the same relative positions.

According to another aspect of the powerfold system of the presentinvention, the mirror assembly may include a detent sensor 24 and adrive position sensor 30 and a rearward range sensor 28 and a frictiondevice 26 and a single powerfold user input or button 22. In thisapplication, every time the user input or PF button is pressed and themirror head is out of the detent positions (such as may occur via manualmovement of the mirror head, such as by a person manually pivoting themirror head out of a detent position or by an impact at the mirror head,such as by the mirror head contacting or impacting an object, such asduring movement of the vehicle or during movement of an object relativeto the vehicle and mirror head, so as to move or pivot the mirror headout of a detent position), the actuator will reset the detent withoutmoving the mirror head. When the powerfold button is pressed, the systemwill sense the mirror head location using the three position sensors andwill respond accordingly. For example, when the user input is actuatedwhen mirror head is at the drive position, the drive position sensorwill be active and the mirror head will rotate to the park position.When the user input is actuated when the mirror head is at the parkposition, the rearward range sensor will be active and the mirror willrotate to the drive position. When the user input is actuated when themirror head is at a forward position, neither the drive position sensornor the rearward range sensor would be active, so the actuator wouldrotate the mirror head rearward until the rearward range sensor isactive and then it would reverse its direction to move the mirror headat the drive position. When the user input is actuated when the mirrorhead is at a position between the park and drive positions, the rearwardrange sensor will be active and the actuator will rotate the mirror headto the drive position.

Thus, this powerfold system of the present invention may perform as a“one button press” solution for all user scenarios. Also, this systemhas a less complex, lower cost, point position sensor compared to therange sensor. It is envisioned that the system will includecommunication between the driver and passenger side mirrors so that themirror heads can stay in sync and are at the same relative positions.

According to another aspect of the powerfold system of the presentinvention, the mirror assembly may include a detent sensor 24 and adrive position sensor 30 and a friction device 26 and two powerfold userinputs or buttons 23. In this application, every time the powerfoldbutton is pressed and the mirror head is out of the detent positions,the actuator will reset the detent without moving the mirror head. Whenthe “MOVE TO DRIVE” powerfold button is pressed, the actuator will startto move the mirror head towards the park position and will complete themovement depending on the particular scenario. For example, when the“move to drive” user input is actuated when the mirror head is at thedrive position, the drive position sensor will be active and theactuator will not move the mirror head. When the “move to drive” userinput is actuated when the mirror head is at the park position, theactuator will pivot or move the mirror head towards the park positionand there will be a current spike and the mirror will rotate to thedrive position. When the “move to drive” user input is actuated when themirror head is at a forward position, the actuator will pivot or movethe mirror head towards the park position and the drive position sensorwill trigger during the move and when the drive position sensor turnsoff, the actuator will then reverse its direction and rotate the mirrorhead back to the drive position. When the “move to drive” user input isactuated when the mirror head is between the park and drive positions,the actuator will move the mirror head towards the park position and thecurrent will spike before the drive position sensor is triggered and theactuator will move the mirror head to the drive position.

Similarly, when the “MOVE TO PARK” powerfold button is pressed, theactuator will start to move the mirror towards the park position andwill complete the movement depending on the particular scenario. Forexample, when the “move to park” user input is actuated when the mirrorhead is at the drive position, the actuator will rotate the mirror headtowards the park position until the motor stalls. When the “move topark” user input is actuated when the mirror head is at the parkposition, the actuator will rotate the mirror head towards the parkposition until motor stalls. When the “move to park” user input isactuated when the mirror head is at a forward position, the actuatorwill rotate the mirror head towards the park position until motorstalls. When the “move to park” user input is actuated when the mirrorhead is between the park and drive positions, the actuator will rotatethe mirror head towards the park position until motor stalls.

Thus, this powerfold system of the present invention may perform as a“one button press” (of the selected button for the desired finalposition of the mirror head) solution for all user scenarios. Also, thissystem has a less complex, lower cost, point position sensor compared tothe range sensor. Another benefit of this system is that the driver sideand passenger side mirrors will automatically sync together.

According to another aspect of the powerfold system of the presentinvention, the mirror assembly may include a detent sensor 24 and arearward range sensor 28 and a friction device 26 and two powerfold userinputs or buttons 23. In this application, every time the powerfoldbutton is pressed and the mirror head is out of the detent positions,the actuator will reset the detent without moving the mirror head. Whenthe “MOVE TO DRIVE” powerfold button is pressed, the actuator will movethe mirror head depending on the particular scenario. For example, whenthe “move to drive” user input is actuated when the mirror head is atthe drive position, the rearward range sensor will not be active so theactuator will rotate the mirror head towards the park position until therearward range sensor is active and then will rotate the mirror headback to the drive position. When the “move to drive” user input isactuated when the mirror head is at the park position, the rearwardrange sensor will be active so the actuator will pivot or move themirror head towards the drive position. When the “move to drive” userinput is actuated when the mirror head is at a forward position, therearward range sensor will not be active so the actuator will rotate themirror head towards park just until the rearward range sensor is activeand then rotate the mirror head back to the drive position. When the“move to drive” user input is actuated when the mirror head is betweenthe park and drive positions, the rearward range sensor will be activeand the actuator will move the mirror head to the drive position.

Similarly, when the “MOVE TO PARK” powerfold button is pressed, theactuator will start to move the mirror towards the park position andwill complete the movement depending on the particular scenario. Forexample, when the “move to park” user input is actuated when the mirrorhead is at the drive position, the actuator will rotate the mirror headtowards the park position until the motor stalls. When the “move topark” user input is actuated when the mirror head is at the parkposition, the actuator will rotate the mirror head towards the parkposition until motor stalls. When the “move to park” user input isactuated when the mirror head is at a forward position, the actuatorwill rotate the mirror head towards the park position until motorstalls. When the “move to park” user input is actuated when the mirrorhead is between the park and drive positions, the actuator will rotatethe mirror head towards the park position until motor stalls.

Thus, this powerfold system of the present invention may perform as a“one button press” (of the selected button for the desired finalposition of the mirror head) solution for all user scenarios. Anotherbenefit of this system is that the driver side and passenger sidemirrors will automatically sync together.

Thus, the powerfold systems of the present invention provide variousmeans for adjusting the mirror head to the park position or driveposition. The chart of FIG. 11 shows the various elements of each systemand the adjustments made by the system responsive to the user input andinitial position of the mirror head when the user input is actuated.

Optionally, an exterior rearview mirror assembly of the presentinvention may include a turn signal indicator or the like for indicatingto drivers of other vehicles that the driver of the equipped vehicle hasactuated a turn signal of the vehicle. The turn signal indicator of theexterior rearview mirror assembly may utilize aspects of the mirrorsystems described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,198,409; 5,929,786 and 5,786,772,and/or International Publication Nos. WO 2007/005942 and/or WO2008/051910, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties. The signal indicator or indication module may include orutilize aspects of various light modules or systems or devices, such asthe types described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,581,859; 6,227,689; 6,582,109;5,371,659; 5,497,306; 5,669,699; 5,823,654; 6,176,602 and/or 6,276,821,and/or U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/891,619, filed May 10, 2013(Attorney Docket DON09 P-2058), and/or Ser. No. 13/249,433, filed Sep.30, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,764,256, and/or International PublicationNo. WO 2006/124682, and/or U.S. provisional application Ser. No.61/970,582, filed Mar. 26, 2014, Ser. No. 61/939,766, filed Feb. 14,2014, and Ser. No. 61/937,138, filed Feb. 7, 2014, which are herebyincorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

For example, and with reference to FIGS. 12-15, the exterior rearviewmirror assembly 110 may include a projection turn signal indicator 112that projects a turn signal icon or arrow onto the ground at or near theside of the vehicle at which the mirror assembly is mounted. Theprojection signaling of the present invention uses a projection logolight module with a colored illumination source (such as a colored lightemitting diode (LED), such as an amber colored LED or the like) inconjunction with the vehicle's turn signal to display an arrow (or othersuitable icon or symbol) on the ground adjacent to vehicle. The turnsignal indicator or module thus may produce a large blinking symbol atthe ground, which may enhance visibility of the turn signal indicationto vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians who may be located in the blindspot of the signaling or equipped vehicle. The mirror assembly may alsoinclude a turn signal indicator and/or spot light and/or multifunctionlighting module 114 (FIG. 15), such as by utilizing aspects of themirror systems described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/891,619,filed May 10, 2013 (Attorney Docket DON09 P-2058), and/or Ser. No.13/249,433, filed Sep. 30, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,764,256, and/orU.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/970,582, filed Mar. 26, 2014,Ser. No. 61/939,766, filed Feb. 14, 2014, and Ser. No. 61/937,138, filedFeb. 7, 2014, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties, and the light module may operate in tandem with theprojection light.

The projection icon or logo light module can also be used in conjunctionwith brake lights, hazards, reverse lights, or other vehicle indicatorsystems to increase signal visibility. Optionally, the symbol or iconthat is projected onto the ground may be adjusted depending on theinput. For example, a red stop indication may be projected onto theground when the brake lights of the vehicle are actuated.

Optionally, the mirror assembly may include a turn signal indicatormodule, which may also provide a blind zone indicator function. Forexample, and with reference to FIGS. 16-20, a turn signal indicator andblind zone indicator module 114′ may be disposed at an exterior rearviewmirror assembly 110′. The module 114′ includes a turn signal indicatorportion 120′, which is operable to emit a turn signal indication 120 a′,and a blind zone indicator portion 122′, which is operable to emit ablind zone indication 122 a′, with both indications being viewable at arear portion of the mirror assembly, such as shown in FIG. 16. The turnsignal indicator portion 120′ and the blind zone indicator portion 122′are part of a single module 114′. Typically, an exterior mirror that isequipped with a turn signal (TS) and blind zone indicator (BZI) containstwo separate modules. The TS/BZI combined module incorporates bothfunctions into one module, utilizing only one printed circuit board(PCB) 124′ and a single cover 126′ that is disposed at or attached at acasing or enclosure 128′ (FIG. 17). Thus, the module minimizes theamount of components, connectors and assembly processes.

The TS/BZI combined module 114′ uses light guides, and uses a singlelight source location that is not visible from outside the mirror, withthe light guide directing or guiding the light to its intended viewingarea. With turn signal indicators, much of the light is directed towardsan exit at the outboard end of the module, but there is also a featurealong the length of the exposed light guide 120 b′ that scatters thelight outward (so as to be viewable from in front of the mirror assemblyand vehicle and at the side of the mirror assembly and vehicle). Such alight guide 120 b′ may make the whole light guide emit light uniformlyfrom an outward appearance.

The TS portion 120′ of the TS/BZI combined module 114′ may comprise anysuitable light guide turn signal design, with a length of visible lightguide 120 b′ and an exit 120 a′ at the outboard rearward end of themirror. The BZI portion 122′ of the TS/BZI combined module 114′ has alight guide that, unlike the TS light guide, may remain hidden behindthe mirror housing 110 a′. Instead of exiting at the outboard side ofthe mirror, the BZI light guide end 122 a′ is disposed at and/orprotrudes through the mirror bezel (or emits light through a window atthe mirror bezel or casing or reflective element 111′), aimed at leastpartially towards the driver. This causes the BZI symbol to appear nextto the mirror glass in the driver's view, such as shown in FIG. 16. TheBZI symbol can have custom shapes or logos by either changing the crosssection of the BZI light guide protrusion, or by using a mask at the endof the protrusion, or any other suitable means.

The TS and BZI light sources 120 c′, 122 c′ are disposed at or on thesame PCB 124′ (FIG. 17), but are able to be operated independently.Different color lights or filters can be used to help differentiatebetween the two emitted lights, as they may both be visible to thedriver of the vehicle.

As shown in FIG. 17, the two light guides 120 b′, 122 b′ may be combinedin a single cover or lens 126′ (such as a transparent cover or lens) tominimize assembly processes. The module housing or casing 128′ may havea rib 128 a′ between the two light guide portions to limit or minimizeor substantially preclude light leaking from one light guide or functioninto the other. As shown in FIG. 20, when the module 114′ is disposed atan exterior rearview mirror assembly 110′, the TS light guide portion120 b′ protrudes through and/or is visible at the mirror casing 110 a′,while the BZI light guide portion 122 b′ is disposed behind and ishidden by the mirror casing 110 a′. Thus, light emitted by the lightsource 120 c′ of the TS indicator portion 120′ may be viewable along thelight guide portion 120 b′ and at the end 120 a′ of the light guideportion 120 b′, while light emitted by the light source 122 c′ of theBZI indicator portion 122′ may be viewable only at the end 122 a′ of thelight guide portion 122 b′, such as at the inner surface of the mirrorcasing 110 a′ or at the reflective element 111′ or the like, dependingon the particular application of the light module 114′.

Optionally, an exterior rearview mirror assembly may include an imagingsensor (such as a sideward and/or rearward facing imaging sensor orcamera that has a sideward/rearward field of view at the side of thevehicle at which the exterior mirror assembly is mounted) that may bepart of or may provide an image output for a vehicle vision system, suchas a lane departure warning system or object detection system or blindzone alert system or surround view vision system other vehicle visionsystem or the like, and may utilize aspects of various imaging sensorsor imaging array sensors or cameras or the like. Optionally, the cameramay be adjustably mounted at the mirror assembly and may extend andretract relative to the mirror head to provide an adjustable andenhanced rearward field of view of the camera. For example, and withreference to FIGS. 21-27, an exterior rearview mirror assembly 210includes a mirror reflective element 212 received in and/or supported ator by a mirror shell or casing or head portion 214, which is attached ata mounting arm or base 216 at the side of the vehicle. A camera module220 is disposed at the mirror casing 214 and is adjustably disposedthereat and is adjustable between a retracted position (FIGS. 21, 23 and25) and an extended position (FIGS. 22, 24, 26 and 27).

The camera mirror assembly of the present invention provides reducedwind drag and limits the need for fold-away mirrors on a vehicle.Optionally, and desirably, the camera mirror assembly of the presentinvention may be utilized on a type of vehicle that would be used fortowing a trailer. Special towing mirrors are usually needed for suchcases because the trailer is often wider than the towing vehicle and thedriver needs to be able to see around the trailer.

In order to provide the required field of view around a trailer that istowed by the vehicle, the camera may have an alternate mounting positionthat brings the camera lens outside the width of the trailer. This maybe accomplished by an interchangeable camera mount, or by providing anextendable or telescoping mount or arm 222 in the mirror housing thatallows for movement of the camera to a trailer towing position (FIGS.22, 24, 26 and 27).

In the case of an interchangeable camera mount, the camera may bemounted in a normal driving position on the mirror housing when thevehicle is not towing a trailer. To prepare the vehicle for towing, thecamera can be re-mounted on the mirror housing using an alternativecamera mounting apparatus, or a separate camera with such an extendedmounting apparatus may be substituted for the standard camera.

In applications where sufficient space is available in the design, acamera extension mechanism 224 (FIG. 27) may be employed that allows thecamera to be moved from the normal inboard position to the towingposition without changing the mounting apparatus. The camera movementmay be accomplished manually, or may be powered by a motor and drivemechanism. Such a mechanism may be similar to that used to extend knowntowing mirrors. However, because the camera is smaller and lighter thana typical towing mirror, the extension mechanism can be potentially bemade lighter and cost less.

The extension mechanism may comprise any suitable means for moving thecamera between the retracted state (where the outer surface of thecamera module may generally correspond with the outer surface of themirror casing around where the camera is disposed) and the extendedstate. For example, the extension mechanism may comprise a telescopingarm or a rack and pinion extension mechanism or the like, such as byutilizing aspects of the systems described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,370,983and/or 6,690,268, and/or U.S. Publication No. US-2006-0050018, which arehereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

The camera may be extended and retracted responsive to a user input(such as a button or the like disposed in the vehicle) that isactuatable by the driver of the vehicle when the driver is normallyoperating the vehicle. For example, when the driver needs or wants tosee further around the towed trailer (or other object or obstacle at ornear the rear of the vehicle), the driver can actuate the user input,whereby the camera will extend laterally outwards from the mirror headand whereby a display in the vehicle will display video images capturedby the camera for viewing by the driver of the vehicle while normallyoperating the vehicle.

When the camera is retracted (such as when the vehicle is parked orturned off or responsive to the user input or other user input or thelike), the display may continue to display images captured by thecamera. Optionally, the display will no longer display the capturedimages captured by the mirror camera when the camera is retracted.

Optionally, the camera may rotate about the longitudinal axis of theextension arm to provide an enhanced downward field of view of thecamera, such as for use in bird's-eye view or surround view visionsystems or the like, such as of the types discussed below. The extensionand/or pivoting may be done responsive to a user input or responsive tothe bird's-eye view display system operating, such as when the drivershifts the vehicle into reverse gear.

Optionally, an exterior rearview mirror assembly of the presentinvention may include a spotter mirror element to provide a wide anglerearward field of view to the driver of the vehicle equipped with themirror assembly. The spotter mirror element may utilize aspects of themirrors described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,255,451; 7,195,381; 6,717,712;7,126,456; 6,315,419; 7,097,312; 6,522,451; 6,315,419; 5,080,492;5,050,977; 5,033,835; 8,021,005; 7,934,844; 7,887,204; 7,824,045; and7,748,856, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties.

Optionally, the spotter mirror may comprise a mirror element that isseparate from the principal mirror reflective element, and the spottermirror may be fixedly disposed relative to the mirror casing. Forexample, and with reference to FIGS. 28-30C, an exterior rearview mirrorassembly 310 includes a mirror reflective element 312 adjustablyreceived in and/or supported at or by a mirror shell or casing or headportion 314, which is attached at a mounting arm or base at the side ofthe vehicle. A spotter mirror cap element or skull cap spotter 316includes a mirror casing portion 316 a and a spotter mirror elementportion 316 b. The mirror casing portion 316 a is configured to attachat the mirror assembly and may replace a typical or known mirror casingportion. When so attached, the spotter mirror element portion 316 b isdisposed at a corner region of the reflective element 312, which mayhave its corner region cut away or removed to provide clearance for thespotter element 316 b when the reflective element 312 is adjustedrelative to the mirror casing (such as via a mirror actuator in themirror casing).

The skull cap spotter element of the present invention thus removes theseparate glass spotter from the reflective element and incorporates aspotter element into a one-piece skull cap/spotter combination. The capand spotter may comprise an integrally formed or molded plastic element,and may be coated with a reflective coating, such as a chrome coating orthe like. The skull cap plastic spotter thus is a single piece ofchromed plastic that combines the chrome skull cap of the mirror housingwith a chromed plastic spotter. The combined skull cap and spotter unitprovides a chrome accent on the front of the housing of the mirror, aswell as a view of the vehicle's blind spot from the rear facing side ofthe mirror assembly. The skull cap plastic spotter may be integratedinto the mirror assembly by fitting underneath, over, or by replacingthe upper, outer corner of the bezel. The mirror assembly may bemodified to allow assembly of the skull cap plastic spotter by removingthe glass spotter (if the mirror has one) and optionally removing or notincluding the corner section of the mirror reflective element that maytypically support a glass spotter element.

Optionally, the exterior mirror element of a mirror assembly may includeheater pad or film or element at a rear surface of the mirror reflectiveelement. The heater pad or element at the rear surface of the glasssubstrate may comprise a mirror defrost/demisting heater and may providean anti-fogging of de-fogging feature to the exterior mirror assembly,and may utilize aspects of the heater elements or pads described in U.S.Pat. Nos. 8,058,977; 7,400,435; 5,808,777; 5,610,756 and/or 5,446,576,and/or U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/779,047, filed Jul. 17, 2007,and published Jan. 17, 2008 as U.S. Pat. Publication No. 20080011733;and/or Ser. No. 13/111,407, filed May 19, 2011 (Attorney Docket DON09P-1710), which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties. The heater element may include electrical contacts thatextend rearward therefrom and through an aperture of attaching portionof back plate for electrical connection to a wire harness or connectorof the mirror assembly, or the back plate and/or heater pad may includesuitable electrical connectors and connections incorporated therein(such as by utilizing aspects of the mirror assembly described in U.S.Pat. No. 7,400,435, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference inits entirety) for electrically connecting the heater pad (or othersuitable electrical connectors may be utilized, such as electrical leadsor wire harnesses or pigtails or other separate connectors or cables orthe like). Optionally, the heater pad may comprise a screen printedheater pad. For example, the heater pad can be printed on the back ofthe mirror reflective element (such as at the fourth or rear surface ofthe rear substrate). Such coatings may be printed and then cured ataround 120 degrees C. or lower, making this process compatible withalready formed laminate type EC mirror elements, such as those describedin U.S. Pat. No. 5,724,187, which is hereby incorporated herein byreference in its entirety. This would make it compatible with ECmirrors.

Optionally, the mirror assembly may include a blind spot indicatorand/or a turn signal indicator, such as an indicator or indicators ofthe types described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,198,409; 5,929,786; and5,786,772, and/or International Publication Nos. WO 2007/005942 and/orWO 2008/051910, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference intheir entireties. The signal indicator or indication module may includeor utilize aspects of various light modules or systems or devices, suchas the types described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,581,859; 6,227,689;6,582,109; 5,371,659; 5,497,306; 5,669,699; 5,823,654; 6,176,602 and/or6,276,821, and/or International Publication No. WO 2006/124682, whichare hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

Such an indicator or indicators may function as a lane change assist(LCA) indicator or indicators and/or a blind spot indicator orindicators. Such blind spot indicators are typically activated when anobject is detected (via a side object or blind spot detection system orthe like such as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,038,577; 6,882,287;6,198,409; 5,929,786; 5,786,772 and/or 7,720,580; and/or InternationalPublication No. WO 2007/005942, which are hereby incorporated herein byreference in their entireties) at the side and/or rear of the vehicle(at the blind spot) and when the turn signal is also activated, so as toprovide an alert to the driver of the host vehicle that there is anobject or vehicle in the lane next to the host vehicle at a time whenthe driver of the host vehicle intends to move over into the adjacentlane. Optionally, and alternately, the indicator or indicators mayfunction as a lane change assist indicator or indicators, where the hostvehicle may be detected to be moving into an adjacent lane without theturn signal being activated, and an object or vehicle may be detected atthe adjacent lane, whereby the LCA indicator or indicators may beactivated to provide an alert to the driver of the lane change to assistthe driver in avoiding unintentional lane changes and/or lane changeswhen a vehicle or object is detected in the adjacent lane.

The blind spot indicators thus may be operable to provide an indicationto the driver of the host vehicle that an object or other vehicle hasbeen detected in the lane or area adjacent to the side of the hostvehicle. The blind spot indicator may be operable in association with ablind spot detection system, which may include an imaging sensor orsensors, or an ultrasonic sensor or sensors, or a sonar sensor orsensors or the like. For example, the blind spot detection system mayutilize aspects of the blind spot detection and/or imaging systemsdescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,038,577; 6,882,287; 6,198,409; 5,929,786;5,786,772; 7,881,496 and/or 7,720,580, and/or of the reverse or backupaid systems, such as the rearwardly directed vehicle vision systemsdescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,550,677; 5,760,962; 5,670,935; 6,201,642;6,396,397; 6,498,620; 6,717,610 6,757,109 and/or 7,005,974, and/or ofthe automatic headlamp controls described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,796,094;5,715,093 and/or 7,526,103, and/or of the rain sensors described in U.S.Pat. Nos. 6,250,148 and 6,341,523, and/or of other imaging systems, suchas the types described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,353,392 and 6,313,454, whichmay utilize various imaging sensors or imaging array sensors or camerasor the like, such as a CMOS imaging array sensor, a CCD sensor or othersensors or the like, such as the types disclosed in commonly assigned,U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,550,677; 5,760,962; 6,097,023 and/or 5,796,094, and/orPCT Application No. PCT/US2003/036177 filed Nov. 14, 2003, publishedJun. 3, 2004 as PCT Publication No. WO 2004/047421, with all of theabove referenced U.S. patents, patent applications and provisionalapplications and PCT applications being commonly assigned and beinghereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

The reflective element of the rearview mirror assembly of vehicles mayinclude an auxiliary wide angle or spotter mirror portion, such as thetypes described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,255,451; 7,195,381; 6,717,712;7,126,456; 6,315,419; 7,097,312; 6,522,451; 6,315,419; 5,080,492;5,050,977 and/or 5,033,835, which are hereby incorporated herein byreference in their entireties, and optionally may have an integrallyformed auxiliary mirror reflector, such as the types described in U.S.Pat. Nos. 8,736,940; 8,021,005; 7,934,844; 7,887,204; 7,824,045 and7,748,856, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties. The auxiliary wide angle optic may be integrally formed suchas by physically removing, such as by grinding or ablation or the like,a portion of the second surface of the front substrate so as to createor establish a physical dish-shaped generally convex-shaped depressionor recess or crater at the second surface of the front substrate, andcoating the formed depression or recess with a reflector coating orelement or the like, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,021,005,incorporated above. The mirror reflective element includes a demarcatinglayer or band or element that is disposed or established around theperimeter of the reflective element and around the perimeter of thespotter mirror so as to demarcate the spotter mirror from the mainreflector portion to enhance the viewability and discernibility of thespotter mirror to the driver of the vehicle, such as by utilizingaspects of the hiding layers described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,736,940, whichis hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Thedemarcating layer or contrasting coating or layer or material maycomprise any suitable material, and may provide a different color orreflectivity or may comprise a dark or opaque color to demarcate thespotter mirror and enhance discernibility of the spotter mirror from themain mirror, which may comprise a flat mirror, a convex mirror or a freeform mirror (such as utilizing aspects of the mirrors described in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/942,751, filed Jul. 16, 2013 (AttorneyDocket DON09 P-2102), which is hereby incorporated herein by referencein its entirety).

The mirror assembly may comprise any suitable construction, such as, forexample, a mirror assembly with the reflective element being nested inthe mirror casing and with the mirror casing having a curved or beveledperimeter edge around the reflective element and with no overlap ontothe front surface of the reflective element (such as by utilizingaspects of the mirror assemblies described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,255,451;7,289,037; 7,360,932; 8,049,640; 8,277,059 and/or 8,529,108, or such asa mirror assembly having a rear substrate of an electro-optic orelectrochromic reflective element nested in the mirror casing, and withthe front substrate having curved or beveled perimeter edges, or such asa mirror assembly having a prismatic reflective element that is disposedat an outer perimeter edge of the mirror casing and with the prismaticsubstrate having curved or beveled perimeter edges, such as described inU.S. Des. Pat. Nos. D633,423; D633,019; D638,761 and/or D647,017, and/orInternational Publication Nos. WO 2010/124064, WO 2011/044312, WO2012/051500, WO 2013/071070 and/or WO 2013/126719, which are herebyincorporated herein by reference in their entireties (and withelectrochromic and prismatic mirrors of such construction arecommercially available from the assignee of this application under thetrade name INFINITY™ mirror).

Optionally, aspects of the mirror assemblies described above may besuitable for use in an interior rearview mirror assembly. Optionally, aninterior rearview mirror assembly of the present invention may include auser input or button that is at or aligned with or at least partiallyprotruding through a hole in the glass substrate or substrates of themirror reflective element. For example, and with reference to FIGS.37-41, an interior rearview mirror assembly 410 for a vehicle includes acasing 412 and a reflective element 414 positioned at a front portion ofthe casing 412, and the mirror assembly is configured to be adjustablymounted to an interior portion of a vehicle (such as to an interior orin-cabin surface of a vehicle windshield or a headliner of a vehicle orthe like) via a mounting structure or mounting configuration or assembly416. In the illustrated embodiment, a user input or button 418 isestablished at a hole or aperture 414 a through the reflective element414. The user input 418 is disposed at or connected with circuitry 420of a circuit element 422 within the mirror assembly (FIG. 27), and maybe associated with one or more illumination sources or light emittingdiodes (LEDs) 424 or the like.

Typically, a user input for an interior rearview mirror assembly islocated at the bezel of the mirror assembly, either at the front face ofthe mirror assembly or protruding from the lower surface of the mirrorcasing or housing. It is also known to provide capacitive switchesbehind the glass reflective element to limit or preclude the need for abezel in cases where a mirror has a forward facing switch or input. Thepresent invention provides a tactile button or switch element thatprotrudes through a hole in the glass mirror reflective element. Similarto capacitive switches, no bezel is needed to house the user input.

Optionally, and desirably, the user input system of the presentinvention includes an illumination source that, when activated, maybacklight an icon at the surface of the button. The light source, whenactivated, may produce a soft glow around the perimeter of the buttonthat is visible in the glass surrounding the button and hole.Optionally, and as can be seen in FIGS. 32-34, the outer or front glasssurface of the glass substrate of the reflective element 414 may bechamfered or tapered at and around the hole 414 a to further enhance theglow effect at and around the user input or button. For applications ofthe user input on frameless mirror elements (with the perimeter edgebeing rounded or curved and exposed), the light source has the addedbenefit of piping through the glass element (either a prismatic glasselement or a front glass substrate of an electrochromic reflectiveelement) and expanding outwards to the exposed perimeter edge of theglass substrate. When the perimeter edge is polished as in the INFINITY™mirror designs, the perimeter edge will glow when the light isactivated, thereby creating a theater effect.

Optionally, a mirror assembly of the present invention, such as aninterior or exterior rearview mirror assembly, may include one or moreelectrically powered accessories or elements or devices. For example, apassenger vehicle exterior rearview mirror may have many electricalfeatures such as motorized mirror adjustment actuators with positionsensors, heaters, motorized retract feature, self-darkening glass, turnindicators, blind zone alert indicators, ground illuminators and/or thelike. Each of these accessories or devices has wires connected to itthat are routed from the rear-view mirror assembly into the door or bodyof the vehicle.

In such a full-featured exterior rearview mirror, and such as can beseen with reference to FIG. 36, the wire harness may have up to abouttwenty wires or more leading from the mirror assembly into the vehicle.This causes difficulty with harness routing and connection reliability,and adds a significant amount of cost and weight to the vehicle.

As shown in FIG. 36, various wired connections may be made within avehicle to control the mirror functions. Wiring for individual functionsare shown in FIG. 36 at the driver side mirror, while all functions areshown grouped together on the passenger side mirror for simplicity. Somevehicles may also incorporate a door control module in the passengerdoor which has been omitted for simplicity.

Optionally, in order to reduce the number of wires at the mirrorassembly, the mirror assembly may use wireless communication technology.As wireless technology becomes more common in the marketplace, wirelesshardware costs are decreasing to the point where wireless technologywill eventually become a viable alternative to wires for many functionsin a vehicle.

If power from the vehicle bus is supplied to the mirrors, all otherfunction control can be accomplished using wireless technology, such asBluetooth 4.0 (BLE) or Zigbee or the like. RFID technology canadditionally be used in the case of switches, which could furthereliminate the need to route power wires to the switch module. Forexample, and as shown in FIG. 37, the mirror may use wireless technologyto provide control of the various accessories or electrical contentand/or features, such as sensors and actuators of the types describedabove and/or such as other accessories, including illumination sourcesor modules (such as for ground illumination, blind zone indication, turnsignal indication and/or the like), heating elements, cameras and/or thelike.

The reflective elements of the mirror assemblies described above maycomprise an electro-optic or electrochromic mirror assembly thatincludes an electro-optic or electrochromic reflective element. Theperimeter edges of the reflective element may be encased or encompassedby the perimeter element or portion of the bezel portion to conceal andcontain and envelop the perimeter edges of the substrates and theperimeter seal disposed therebetween. The electrochromic mirror elementof the electrochromic mirror assembly may utilize the principlesdisclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,274,501; 7,255,451;7,195,381; 7,184,190; 6,690,268; 5,140,455; 5,151,816; 6,178,034;6,154,306; 6,002,544; 5,567,360; 5,525,264; 5,610,756; 5,406,414;5,253,109; 5,076,673; 5,073,012; 5,117,346; 5,724,187; 5,668,663;5,910,854; 5,142,407 and/or 4,712,879, and/or International PublicationNo. WO 2010/114825, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference intheir entireties, and/or as disclosed in the following publications: N.R. Lynam, “Electrochromic Automotive Day/Night Mirrors”, SAE TechnicalPaper Series 870636 (1987); N. R. Lynam, “Smart Windows forAutomobiles”, SAE Technical Paper Series 900419 (1990); N. R. Lynam andA. Agrawal, “Automotive Applications of Chromogenic Materials”, LargeArea Chromogenics: Materials and Devices for Transmittance Control, C.M. Lampert and C. G. Granquist, EDS., Optical Engineering Press, Wash.(1990), which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in theirentireties; and/or as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,195,381, which ishereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Optionally, it is envisioned that aspects of the mirror assemblies ofthe present invention may be suitable for a rearview mirror assemblythat comprises a non-electro-optic mirror assembly (such as a generallyplanar or optionally slightly curved mirror substrate) or anelectro-optic or electrochromic mirror assembly. Optionally, therearview mirror assembly may comprise a mirror assembly of the typesdescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,420,756; 7,289,037; 7,274,501; 7,338,177;7,255,451; 7,249,860; 6,318,870; 6,598,980; 5,327,288; 4,948,242;4,826,289; 4,436,371 and/or 4,435,042, which are hereby incorporatedherein by reference in their entireties. A variety of mirror accessoriesand constructions are known in the art, such as those disclosed in U.S.Pat. Nos. 5,555,136; 5,582,383; 5,680,263; 5,984,482; 6,227,675;6,229,319 and/or 6,315,421 (which are hereby incorporated herein byreference in their entireties), that can benefit from the presentinvention.

Optionally, the reflective element of the mirror assemblies describedherein may include an opaque or substantially opaque or hiding perimeterlayer or coating or band disposed around a perimeter edge region of thefront substrate (such as at a perimeter region of the rear or secondsurface of the front substrate) to conceal or hide or the perimeter sealfrom viewing by the driver of the vehicle when the mirror assembly isnormally mounted in the vehicle. Such a hiding layer or perimeter bandmay be reflective or not reflective and may utilize aspects of theperimeter bands and mirror assemblies described in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,066,112; 7,626,749; 7,274,501; 7,184,190 and/or 7,255,451, and/orInternational Publication Nos. WO 2010/124064 and/or WO 2011/044312,and/or U.S. Pat. Pub. No. US-2006-0061008, which are all herebyincorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Optionally, theperimeter band may comprise a chrome/chromium coating or metalliccoating and/or may comprise a chrome/chromium or metallic coating thathas a reduced reflectance, such as by using an oxidized chrome coatingor chromium oxide coating or “black chrome” coating or the like (such asby utilizing aspects of the mirror assemblies described in U.S. Pat.Nos. 7,184,190 and/or 7,255,451, which are hereby incorporated herein byreference in their entireties). Optionally, other opaque orsubstantially opaque coatings or bands may be implemented whileremaining within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The mirror assembly may comprise or utilize aspects of other types ofcasings or the like, such as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,338,177;7,289,037; 7,249,860; 6,439,755; 4,826,289 and 6,501,387, which are allhereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties, withoutaffecting the scope of the present invention. For example, the mirrorassembly may utilize aspects of the flush or frameless or bezellessreflective elements described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,626,749; 7,360,932;7,289,037; 7,255,451; 7,274,501 and/or 7,184,190, and/or in U.S. Pat.Pub. Nos. US-2006-0061008 and/or US-2006-0050018, which are all herebyincorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

Optionally, the mirror assembly may comprise a modular mirrorconstruction, and may include back housing portions or the like, such ascap portions of the types described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,289,037, which ishereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. A displayscreen may be provided as a modular display screen and may be mountableor installable in the appropriate or suitable mirror casing to provide amodular mirror assembly and display screen. For example, a rear casingor cap portion may include the display screen module including theassociated components, such as the rails and motor and the like for avideo slideout module (such as by utilizing aspects of the video mirrorsdescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,370,983 and 6,690,268, and/or U.S. Pat.Pub. Nos. US-2006-0050018 and/or US-2009-0015736, which are herebyincorporated herein by reference in their entireties), and may beattachable to a reflective element and/or mirror casing to assemble themodular mirror assembly. The display screen module thus may be providedas an optional component or accessory for a vehicle, and may be readilyassembled to a common reflective element and/or mirror casing of themirror assembly.

Optionally, the mirror casing and/or reflective element may includecustomized or personalized viewable characteristics, such as color orsymbols or indicia selected by the vehicle manufacturer or owner of thevehicle, such as the customization characteristics described in U.S.Pat. Nos. 7,626,749; 7,255,451; 7,289,037, which are hereby incorporatedherein by reference in their entireties.

Optionally, the mirror assembly may include an imaging sensor (such as asideward and/or rearward facing imaging sensor or camera that has asideward/rearward field of view at the side of the vehicle at which theexterior mirror assembly is mounted) that may be part of or may providean image output for a vehicle vision system, such as a lane departurewarning system or object detection system or blind zone alert system orsurround view vision system other vehicle vision system or the like, andmay utilize aspects of various imaging sensors or imaging array sensorsor cameras or the like, such as a CMOS imaging array sensor, a CCDsensor or other sensors or the like, such as the types described in U.S.Pat. Nos. 5,550,677; 5,670,935; 5,760,962; 6,498,620; 6,396,397;6,222,447; 6,201,642; 6,097,023; 5,877,897; 5,796,094; 5,715,093;6,922,292; 6,757,109; 6,717,610; 6,590,719; 6,320,176; 6,559,435;6,831,261; 6,806,452; 6,822,563; 6,946,978; 7,038,577; 7,004,606 and/or7,720,580, and/or U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/187,725, filedAug. 7, 2008, which are all hereby incorporated herein by reference intheir entireties. Optionally, for example, the vehicle vision system(utilizing a forward facing camera and a rearward facing camera andother cameras disposed at the vehicle with exterior fields of view) maybe part of or may provide a display of a top-down view or birds-eye viewsystem of the vehicle or a surround view at the vehicle, such as byutilizing aspects of the vision systems described InternationalPublication Nos. WO 2010/099416; WO 2011/028686; WO 2012/075250; WO2013/019795; WO 2012-075250; WO 2012/154919; WO 2012/0116043; WO2012/0145501; WO 2012/0145313; WO 2012/145822; WO 2013/081985; WO2013/086249 and/or WO 2013/109869, and/or U.S. patent application Ser.No. 13/333,337, filed Dec. 21, 2011 (Attorney Docket DON01 P-1797),which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

Optionally, the mirror assembly or the vehicle may include one or moredisplays, such as the types disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,530,240 and/or6,329,925, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties, and/or display-on-demand transflective type displays, and/orvideo displays or display screens, such as the types disclosed in U.S.Pat. Nos. 7,855,755; 7,338,177; 7,274,501; 7,255,451; 7,195,381;7,184,190; 7,046,448; 5,668,663; 5,724,187; 5,530,240; 6,329,925;6,690,268; 7,734,392; 7,370,983; 6,902,284; 6,428,172; 6,420,975;5,416,313; 5,285,060; 5,193,029 and/or 4,793,690, and/or in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/023,750, filed Feb. 9, 2011 (Attorney DocketDON01 P-1679); Ser. No. 09/585,379, filed Jun. 1, 2000, now abandoned;and/or Ser. No. 10/207,291, filed Jul. 29, 2002, now abandoned, and/orin U.S. Pat. Pub. Nos. US-2006-0061008; US-2006-0050018;US-2009-0015736; US-2009-0015736 and/or US-2010-0097469; and/or inInternational Publication No. WO 2011/028686, which are all herebyincorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

The video display screen may be controlled or operable in response to aninput or signal, such as a signal received from one or more cameras orimage sensors of the vehicle, such as a video camera or sensor, such asa CMOS imaging array sensor, a CCD sensor or the like, and imageprocessors or image processing techniques, such as utilizing aspects ofthe cameras and image processors described U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,550,677;5,670,935; 5,760,962; 6,498,620; 6,396,397; 6,222,447; 6,201,642;6,097,023; 5,877,897; 5,796,094; 5,715,093; 6,922,292; 6,757,109;6,717,610; 6,590,719; 6,320,176; 6,559,435; 6,831,261; 6,806,452;6,822,563; 6,946,978; 7,038,577; 7,004,606 and/or 7,720,580, and/or U.S.Pat. Pub. Nos. US-2006-0171704; US-2009-0244361; and/or US-2010-0214791,and/or International Publication Nos. WO 2009/046268 and/or WO2009/036176, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties, or from one or more imaging systems of the vehicle, such asa reverse or backup aid system, such as a rearwardly directed vehiclevision system utilizing principles disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,550,677; 5,760,962; 5,670,935; 6,201,642; 6,396,397; 6,498,620;6,717,610 and/or 6,757,109, which are hereby incorporated herein byreference in their entireties, a trailer hitching aid or tow checksystem, such as the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,005,974, which ishereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, a cabin viewingor monitoring device or system, such as a baby viewing or rear seatviewing camera or device or system or the like, such as disclosed inU.S. Pat. Nos. 5,877,897 and/or 6,690,268, which are hereby incorporatedherein by reference in their entireties, a video communication device orsystem, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,690,268, which is herebyincorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and/or the like. Theimaging sensor or camera may be activated and the display screen may beactivated in response to the vehicle shifting into reverse, such thatthe display screen is viewable by the driver and is displaying an imageof the rearward scene while the driver is reversing the vehicle. It isenvisioned that an image processor or controller (such as an EyeQ™ imageprocessing chip available from Mobileye Vision Technologies Ltd. ofJerusalem, Israel, and such as an image processor of the types describedin International Pub. No. WO/2010/099416, which is hereby incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety) may process image data captured bythe camera or cameras, such as for object detection or assessment oflighting conditions and/or the like.

Optionally, the mirror assembly may include other electrically operatedor powered accessories, such as a compass sensor and compass display.Such a compass sensor and circuitry for the compass system that detectsand displays the vehicle directional heading to a driver of the vehiclemay comprise any suitable compass sensor and/or circuitry, such as acompass system and compass circuitry that utilizes aspects of thecompass systems described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,370,983; 7,329,013;7,289,037; 7,249,860; 7,004,593; 6,928,366; 6,642,851; 6,140,933;4,546,551; 5,699,044; 4,953,305; 5,576,687; 5,632,092; 5,677,851;5,708,410; 5,737,226; 5,802,727; 5,878,370; 6,087,953; 6,173,508;6,222,460 and/or 6,513,252, and/or European patent application,published Oct. 11, 2000 under Publication No. EP 0 1043566, and/or U.S.Pat. Pub. No. US-2006-0061008, which are all hereby incorporated hereinby reference in their entireties. The compass circuitry may includecompass sensors, such as a magneto-responsive sensor, such as amagneto-resistive sensor, a magneto-capacitive sensor, a Hall sensor, amagneto-inductive sensor, a flux-gate sensor or the like. The compasssensor may be incorporated in or associated with a compass system and/ordisplay system for displaying a directional heading of the vehicle tothe driver, such as a compass system of the types described in U.S. Pat.Nos. 7,289,037; 5,924,212; 4,862,594; 4,937,945; 5,131,154; 5,255,442;5,632,092 and/or 7,004,593, which are all hereby incorporated herein byreference in their entireties. Optionally, an integrated automotive“compass-on-a-chip” may be disposed in a cavity of the mounting base ofthe mirror (or within the mirror housing or in an attachment to themirror mount or elsewhere within the mirror assembly such as to the rearof the video screen or to the rear of the mirror reflective element) andmay comprise at least two sensor elements (such as magneto-responsivesensor elements, or a Hall effect sensor or multiple Hall effectsensors), associated A/D and D/A converters, associatedmicroprocessor(s) and memory, associated signal processing andfiltering, associated display driver and associated LIN/CAN BUSinterface and the like, all (or a sub-set thereof) created or disposedor commonly established onto a semiconductor chip surface/substrate orsilicon substrate, such as utilizing CMOS technology and/or fabricationtechniques as known in the semiconductor manufacturing arts, andconstituting an application specific integrated chip (“ASIC”), such asutilizing principles described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,815,326; 7,004,593;7,329,013 and/or 7,370,983, and/or U.S. Pat. Pub. No. US-2006-0061008,which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties,and/or such as by utilizing aspects of an EC driver-on-a-chip such asdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,480,149, which is hereby incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

Optionally, the mirror assembly and/or any associated user inputs may beassociated with various accessories or systems, such as, for example, atire pressure monitoring system or a passenger air bag status or agarage door opening system or a telematics system or any other accessoryor system of the mirror assembly or of the vehicle or of an accessorymodule or console of the vehicle, such as an accessory module or consoleof the types described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,289,037; 6,877,888;6,824,281; 6,690,268; 6,672,744; 6,386,742 and/or 6,124,886, and/or U.S.Pat. Pub. No. US-2006-0050018, which are hereby incorporated herein byreference in their entireties.

Optionally, the mirror assembly may include one or more otheraccessories at or within the mirror casing, such as one or moreelectrical or electronic devices or accessories, such as antennas,including global positioning system (GPS) or cellular phone antennas,such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,552, a communication module,such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,798,688, a blind spot detectionsystem, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,929,786 and/or 5,786,772,transmitters and/or receivers, such as a garage door opener or the like,a digital network, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,798,575, ahigh/low headlamp controller, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,796,094 and/or 5,715,093, a memory mirror system, such as disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 5,796,176, a hands-free phone attachment, a video devicefor internal cabin surveillance and/or video telephone function, such asdisclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,760,962 and/or 5,877,897, a remote keylessentry receiver, lights, such as map reading lights or one or more otherlights or illumination sources, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.6,690,268; 5,938,321; 5,813,745; 5,820,245; 5,673,994; 5,649,756;5,178,448; 5,671,996; 4,646,210; 4,733,336; 4,807,096; 6,042,253;5,669,698; 7,195,381; 6,971,775 and/or 7,249,860, microphones, such asdisclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,657,052; 6,243,003; 6,278,377 and/or6,420,975, speakers, antennas, including global positioning system (GPS)or cellular phone antennas, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,971,552, a communication module, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,798,688, a voice recorder, a blind spot detection system, such asdisclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,720,580; 7,038,577; 6,882,287; 5,929,786and/or 5,786,772, transmitters and/or receivers, such as for a garagedoor opener or a vehicle door unlocking system or the like (such as aremote keyless entry system), a digital network, such as described inU.S. Pat. No. 5,798,575, a high/low headlamp controller, such as acamera-based headlamp control, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,796,094 and/or 5,715,093, a memory mirror system, such as disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 5,796,176, a hands-free phone attachment, an imagingsystem or components or circuitry or display thereof, such as an imagingand/or display system of the types described in U.S. Pat. Nos.7,400,435; 7,526,103; 6,690,268 and/or 6,847,487, and/or U.S. Pat. Pub.No. US-2006-0125919, a video device for internal cabin surveillance(such as for sleep detection or driver drowsiness detection or the like)and/or video telephone function, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,760,962 and/or 5,877,897, a remote keyless entry receiver, a seatoccupancy detector, a remote starter control, a yaw sensor, a clock, acarbon monoxide detector, status displays, such as displays that displaya status of a door of the vehicle, a transmission selection (4wd/2wd ortraction control (TCS) or the like), an antilock braking system, a roadcondition (that may warn the driver of icy road conditions) and/or thelike, a trip computer, a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) receiver(such as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,124,647; 6,294,989; 6,445,287;6,472,979; 6,731,205 and/or 7,423,522, and/or an ONSTAR® system, acompass, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,924,212; 4,862,594;4,937,945; 5,131,154; 5,255,442 and/or 5,632,092, and/or any otheraccessory or circuitry or the like (with all of the above-referencedpatents and PCT and U.S. patent applications being commonly assigned andbeing hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties).

Optionally, the accessory or accessories, such as those described aboveand/or below, may be positioned at or within the mirror casing and/ormirror cap portion or the like, and may be included on or integrated ina printed circuit board positioned within the mirror casing and/or capportion, such as along a rear surface of the reflective element orelsewhere within a cavity defined by the casing, without affecting thescope of the present invention. The connection or link between thecontrols and the display screen device and/or the navigation systemand/or other systems and accessories of the mirror system may beprovided via vehicle electronic or communication systems and the like,and may be connected via various protocols or nodes, such as BLUETOOTH®,SCP, UBP, J1850, CAN J2284, Fire Wire 1394, MOST, LIN, FlexRay™, ByteFlight and/or the like, or other vehicle-based or in-vehiclecommunication links or systems (such as WIFI and/or IRDA) and/or thelike, or via VHF or UHF or other wireless transmission formats,depending on the particular application of the mirror/accessory systemand the vehicle. Optionally, the connections or links may be providedvia various wireless connectivity or links, without affecting the scopeof the present invention.

Changes and modifications in the specifically described embodiments maybe carried out without departing from the principles of the presentinvention, which is intended to be limited only by the scope of theappended claims as interpreted according to the principles of patentlaw.

1. An exterior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle, said exteriorrearview mirror assembly comprising: a mirror head pivotally mounted ata mounting base configured for attachment at a side of a vehicle,wherein said mirror head comprises a mirror casing and a reflectiveelement adjustably disposed at said mirror casing; a powerfold actuatoroperable to pivot said mirror head relative to said mounting basebetween at least a park detent position and a drive detent position;wherein said mirror head is manually pivotable to a non-detent positionother than the park detent position and the drive detent position; auser input actuatable by a driver of the vehicle; and wherein,responsive to said mirror head being at a non-detent position andresponsive to a single actuation of said user input, said powerfoldactuator is operable to pivot said mirror head to the park detentposition or the drive detent position.
 2. The exterior rearview mirrorassembly of claim 1, wherein said powerfold actuator is operable topivot said mirror head to either the park detent position or the drivedetent position responsive at least in part to at least one sensor, andwherein said at least one sensor comprises at least one of (i) a detentsensor operable to sense when said mirror head is at a detent position,(ii) a non-detent sensor operable to sense when said mirror head is at anon-detent position rearward of the drive position and (iii) a driveposition sensor operable to sense when said mirror head is at the drivedetent position.
 3. The exterior rearview mirror assembly of claim 2,wherein said at least one sensor comprises at least two of (i) a detentsensor operable to sense when said mirror head is at a detent position,(ii) a non-detent sensor operable to sense when said mirror head is at anon-detent position rearward of the drive detent position and (iii) adrive position sensor operable to sense when said mirror head is at thedrive detent position.
 4. The exterior rearview mirror assembly of claim2, wherein said user input comprises a single powerfold input andwherein said at least one sensor comprises a detent sensor operable tosense when said mirror head is at a detent position, and wherein,responsive to said mirror head being at a non-detent position andresponsive to actuation of said single powerfold input, said powerfoldactuator pivots said mirror head to the park detent position and then tothe drive detent position.
 5. The exterior rearview mirror assembly ofclaim 2, wherein said user input comprises a single powerfold input andwherein said at least one sensor comprises a detent sensor operable tosense when said mirror head is at a detent position and at least one of(i) a non-detent sensor operable to sense when said mirror head is at anon-detent position rearward of the drive detent position and (ii) adrive position sensor operable to sense when said mirror head is at thedrive detent position.
 6. The exterior rearview mirror assembly of claim5, wherein, responsive to actuation of said single powerfold input andresponsive to said mirror head being at a non-detent position, saidpowerfold actuator resets said mirror head to a detent position.
 7. Theexterior rearview mirror assembly of claim 6, wherein, responsive toactuation of said single powerfold input and responsive to said mirrorhead being at a non-detent position rearward of the drive detentposition, said mirror actuator pivots said mirror head to the drivedetent position.
 8. The exterior rearview mirror assembly of claim 6,wherein, responsive to actuation of said single powerfold input andresponsive to a determination that said mirror head is one of at thedrive detent position and forward of the drive detent position, saidmirror actuator pivots said mirror head to the park detent position. 9.The exterior rearview mirror assembly of claim 6, wherein said powerfoldactuator resets said mirror head to a detent position without pivotingsaid mirror head.
 10. The exterior rearview mirror assembly of claim 1,comprising a friction device that limits pivotal movement of said mirrorhead relative to said mounting base when said mirror head is at anon-detent position.
 11. The exterior rearview mirror assembly of claim1, comprising a turn signal indicator that is operable to project a turnsignal icon onto the ground at or near the side of the vehicle inresponse to actuation of a turn signal of the vehicle.
 12. The exteriorrearview mirror assembly of claim 1, comprising a light module disposedat said mirror casing and operable to (i) provide a blind zone alertviewable by the driver of the vehicle and (ii) provide a turn signalindication viewable by drivers of other vehicles at a side lane adjacentthe equipped vehicle.
 13. The exterior rearview mirror assembly of claim12, wherein said light module comprises a single circuit board and twolight guides, and wherein a blind zone indicator light emitting diode isdisposed at said single circuit board and operable to emit light along ablind zone indicator light guide and wherein the blind zone indicatorlight guide provides the blind zone alert, and wherein a turn signalindicator light emitting diode is disposed at said single circuit boardand operable to emit light along a turn signal indicator light guide andwherein the turn signal indicator light guide provides the turn signalindication, and wherein said blind zone indicator light guide and saidturn signal indicator light guide are disposed along a forward andsideward portion of said mirror casing, and wherein said turn signalindicator light guide is viewable along said forward and sidewardportion of said mirror casing and wherein said blind zone indicatorlight guide is not viewable along said forward and sideward portion ofsaid mirror casing.
 14. The exterior rearview mirror assembly of claim1, comprising a camera module disposed at said mirror head, and whereinsaid camera module is adjustably disposed at said mirror head and isadjustable to adjust the field of view of said camera module.
 15. Theexterior rearview mirror assembly of claim 14, wherein said cameramodule is extendable and retractable and, when extended, extendslaterally sideward away from said mirror head at the side of the vehicleto enhance viewing by said camera of and around a trailer that is beingtowed by the vehicle.
 16. The exterior rearview mirror assembly of claim1, comprising a wide angle spotter mirror disposed at an upper outboardcorner of said mirror head, and wherein said wide angle spotter mirroris integrally formed with an upper portion of said mirror casing of saidmirror head.
 17. The exterior rearview mirror assembly of claim 1,wherein at least one electronic accessory of said rearview mirrorassembly is controlled via a wireless communication by a control systemof the vehicle.
 18. An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle,said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising: a mirror headpivotally mounted at a mounting base configured for attachment at aninterior portion of a vehicle, wherein said mirror head comprises amirror casing and a reflective element disposed at said mirror casing;wherein said reflective element comprises a glass substrate and a mirrorreflector; circuitry disposed in said mirror casing and behind saidreflective element; and a user input connected to said circuitry,wherein said user input includes an actuating portion that protrudes atleast partially through a hole formed through said glass substrate ofsaid reflective element.
 19. The interior rearview mirror assembly ofclaim 18, wherein said glass substrate has a tapered region thatcircumscribes said hole.
 20. The interior rearview mirror assembly ofclaim 19, wherein said circuitry comprises an illumination source that,when activated, backlights an icon at said actuating portion of saiduser input.